The equalizer boosted the morale of the girls.

Beverly Melbourne in Haiti

The Cayman Islands National Under 17 Girls came from behind to inch closer for a place in the Caribbean Football Union World Cup qualifiers by defeating the Bahamas national team 2-1 at the Sylvio Cator Stadium last Monday in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti before a turnout of over ten thousand spectators.

It was the Bahamas team who went ahead as early as in the 3rd minute with a soft goal scored by Annisa Albury.

The young Caymanians would have none of that, and took over the game going forward dangerously for the rest of the first half without finding the back of the net, ending that segment 1-0.
At the start of the second half, with one substitution it was business as usual as the determined Bobby McLaren-coached Caymanian girls continued to apply pressure on their opponents.

This energy and determination proved worthwhile as in the 60th minute, Ashleigh Shim equalized for her team when she slipped one past Bahamian goalkeeper Courtney Treco after a tussle in the penalty area.

As if this was not enough, the girls obviously driven by this equaliser continued to apply force on their opponents and four minutes later were ahead with another goal, this time from Ashani Francis.

The opponents made two substitutions but this did not stop the Cayman team from living dangerously in their half, keeping their defense line on their feet.

The Bahamas team have to thank players like Annisa Albury, Kimberly Johnson and Kiana Baldwin, who had to keep close to the swift-moving Shanice Monteith and Ashleigh Shim, who along with the defenders Tacita Berry and Brianna Hydes and Brittney Mobley and the rest of the team, made their lives a living hell.

Coach McLaren in a brief interview said, “I thank God for this result, I am extremely happy that the girls showed their strength in character. This is a testimony of their hard work over the past eight months that they have been together.”

“All praises should be given to them for this victory after a hard fought game which resulted from their diehard efforts. We are now one step closer for qualification for next phase of this tournament. We are going to continue our preparations to face British Virgin Islands and then go on to face the hosts Haiti this Friday,” he said.

“Even though the score line was not a true reflection of our efforts, after hitting the cross bar and forcing the goal keeper into many saves, we have now shifted our focus to the next opponents. I am confident that we will display improved performance in our next outing on Wednesday. I am also sure that the Cayman Under 17 girls will deliver; they are ready; they want the win and they are determined to get those victories,” McLaren pointed out.

The Cayman Islands will face the hosts, Haiti in their final game to be played tomorrow Friday, 6 November, at 6:15 pm. All games will be played at the same venue and the winner of the group and the best second placed team will advance to the next phase of the competition.